One of the most debated topics in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is the tick rate. If you’ve played CS:GO before, you’ll know that tick rate was critical for movement, aim consistency, and overall server performance. With CS2, Valve introduced a new system called sub-tick, and players are still trying to fully understand what it means.
This guide breaks down what tick rate is, how it worked in CS:GO, what’s different in CS2, and how it impacts your gameplay today.
What is Tick Rate in CS2?
In online games, tick rate refers to how often the server updates game information (like your position, bullets, or actions).
- A 64-tick server updates 64 times per second.
- A 128-tick server updates 128 times per second.
In CS:GO, competitive players demanded 128-tick servers because they provided faster updates, smoother hit registration, and more accurate gameplay.
How Tick Rate Worked in CS:GO
- Matchmaking servers used 64 tick.
- Third-party platforms like FACEIT and ESEA ran 128 tick, which became the gold standard for pros.
Why it mattered:
- Grenade lineups landed differently on 64 vs. 128.
- Peeking felt smoother on 128 tick.
- Headshots registered more consistently.
This created a gap between casual matchmaking and competitive play.
What Changed in CS2: The Sub-Tick System
Valve replaced traditional tick rate with sub-tick technology in CS2. Instead of updating actions only on server ticks, CS2 records the exact moment you click, move, or shoot and then applies it with precision on the server.
Key improvements:
- Precise registration – Shooting feels consistent regardless of server tick rate.
- Fair peeks – The infamous “peekers advantage” is reduced since actions are timed more accurately.
- Grenade consistency – Smokes, flashes, and molotovs land the same way across all servers.
- Unified system – No more 64 vs. 128 tick confusion.
In short, CS2 servers technically run at 64 tick, but sub-tick ensures your inputs aren’t bound by those limitations.
CS2 Tick Rate vs. Sub-Tick: The Differences
| Feature | CS:GO (64/128 Tick) | CS2 (Sub-Tick) |
| Server updates | Fixed 64/128 times per second | 64 tick baseline, but inputs tracked between ticks |
| Hit registration | Depended on tick rate | Precise to player input timing |
| Grenade consistency | Different on 64 vs. 128 | Universal lineups |
| Competitive standard | 128 tick preferred | Sub-tick only |
Why Some Players Still Complain
Even though Valve promised sub-tick solves tick rate issues, players report mixed experiences:
- Peeker’s advantage still exists (though smaller).
- Hit registration bugs have been noticed, especially on unstable connections.
- Some pros claim movement feels less smooth compared to 128 tick servers.
This debate is ongoing, but Valve continues to patch and optimize sub-tick.
Does Tick Rate Still Matter in CS2?
The short answer: less than before.
- For casual players, CS2 feels more consistent than CS:GO 64 tick.
- For pros, the lack of 128 tick still feels different compared to FACEIT days.
- Competitive tournaments now all run sub-tick, so the system is becoming the new standard.
How Tick Rate Affects Your Gameplay
Here’s what you should keep in mind as a CS2 player:
- Grenades – Old CS:GO lineups might not work. Learn CS2’s universal lineups on maps like Mirage, Inferno, or Overpass.
- Aiming – Your shots are more accurately recorded, so consistency matters more than raw reaction time.
- Networking – Tick rate won’t save you from bad ping. A stable internet connection is still crucial.
- Practice – Since FACEIT and tournaments use sub-tick, practicing on CS2 servers mirrors pro play better than CS:GO matchmaking ever did.
Common Myths About CS2 Tick Rate
- “CS2 runs on 128 tick.”
False. It’s 64 tick with sub-tick enhancements. - “Sub-tick eliminates peeker’s advantage.”
Not true. It reduces it but can’t remove it due to physics and ping. - “Grenades are identical to CS:GO.”
No, CS2’s physics engine changed, so you’ll need to relearn lineups.
Final Thoughts
CS2’s tick rate system is a major shift from CS:GO. By introducing sub-tick, Valve unified the experience so everyone plays under the same conditions. While old-school players may miss 128 tick, the new system ensures more accurate, fair, and consistent gameplay across the board.
If you’re serious about improving, focus on map-specific utility, consistent crosshair placement, and refining aim rather than worrying about tick rate.
